BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4380

By: Herrero

Energy Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been suggested that the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) would benefit from the knowledge that a wide array of oil and gas experts with first-hand experience in how RRC environmental regulations are implemented in the field could provide on reviewing the RRC environmental regulatory functions. H.B. 4380 seeks to provide for such a review by establishing an advisory committee.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 4380 creates the nine-member Environmental Task Force Advisory Committee to do the following:

· review the overall operation and structure of the environmental regulatory functions of the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) and rules adopted by the RRC to implement and enforce those functions, including rules on specified topics; and

· provide recommendations to the RRC for proposed changes to improve and add clarity to rules related to those functions.

The bill sets out provisions relating to the advisory committee's composition, presiding officer, and meetings and provides for the terms of service of members, who are not entitled to compensation or expense reimbursement. The bill authorizes the advisory committee to adopt rules, procedures, and policies as needed to administer the bill's provisions and implement its responsibilities. The bill excepts the size, composition, and duration of the advisory committee from Government Code provisions governing state agency advisory committees. The bill's provisions expire and the advisory committee is dissolved on September 1, 2023.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.